Ponting To Stand In For Smith At Surrey

Ponting To Stand In For Smith At Surrey

©REUTERS/Brandon Malone. Picture Supplied by Action Images

Surrey have pulled off their second significant overseas signing of the winter. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who retired from international cricket at the end of 2012, will stand in for Graeme Smith when he is representing South Africa in the Champions Trophy in June and July. 

Surrey Team Director Chris Adams said: "We knew we would lose Graeme to the Champions Trophy in June. That given, we focused on recruiting the best possible replacement and, in Ricky Ponting, we have signed one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.

"This year, our young batsmen will enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from not just one but two of the greatest International players of the modern age."

Besides filling in for Smith in the LV= County Championship and Yorkshire Bank 40 competitions, Ponting will be Surrey's second overseas player for the Friends Life t20, meaning that, on occasions, Surrey should be able to boast a batting line-up that includes Ponting, Smith and Kevin Pietersen.

Since retiring from international cricket following the third Test against South Africa in Perth, Ponting has been in prolific form in state cricket for Tasmania. In 2013, he has averaged 68.67 in all domestic cricket for the Tigers.

© Cricket World 2013